Paradox and Inspiration 112: Embrace or Eradicate Internet Anonymity?

The anonymity of the internet is a double-edged sword.

Peeking into this paradoxical topic, we learn how anonymity emboldens users to be culprits of hatespeech, financial scams, disclosure of trade secrets and exposure of personal information or secrets, astroturfing, online harassment, cyber bullying, child pornography, vicious behaviour, stalking, personal threats, stalking, and even extortion among other illegal activities, you just name it. The ferocious onslaught of internet predators and cyber crime is unimaginable, extremely dark.

Yet, we long know that the internet’s anonymity sets the basis for upholding and protecting the freedom of speech effectively. Just think of the knowledge we have acquired through this medium, the many more ways to connect, socialize and communicate than ever before. Anonymity provides people an outlet for their opinions, even the most sensitive and controversial ones. Cyber defamation law requiring verification of the user’s identity in online activities will curb freedom of speech, which depends on anonymity in some cases to shield the weak from abusive powers and for truths to be exposed without the fear of being punished.

So where do we go? Envelop or outlaw internet anonymity?